* Hesitation: "Um" is often used when someone is trying to think of the right words or trying to formulate their thoughts.
* Pause: It can act as a pause to give the speaker time to gather their thoughts before continuing.
* Politeness: In some contexts, it can be used as a way to soften a response or to avoid interrupting someone.
* Discourse marker: It can help to signal to the listener that the speaker is about to introduce a new thought or topic.
Essentially, "um" is a way to fill in the gaps in conversation and give the speaker a little breathing room. It's a natural part of speech, and most people use it from time to time.